Understanding the Importance of Risk Perception in Coastal Socio-Ecological Systems Management: A Case Study in Southern Italy

Coastal systems are dealing with huge challenges, mainly arising from flooding, erosion and the growing urbanization. Such areas are highly exposed to different risk drivers, which are leading to a gradual depletion of their environmental quality and long-term sustainability. Consequently, direct and indirect negative effects on both economic development and behavior are being experienced by coastal communities. The over-exploitation and the increasing urbanization of coastal areas are reducing their resilience against the negative impacts due to meteorological extreme events, worsened by climate change. Moreover, coasts are increasingly facing critical situations due to incorrect coastal protection management strategies. The comprehension of coastal risks is typically based on a deep understanding of the main physical phenomena to be addressed. However, to be effective, management activities need to actively involve people and communities at risk, to increase public awareness and preparedness and effectively reduce both exposure and vulnerability. Accordingly, stakeholders’ and local communities’ risk perception plays a key role. In the present paper, both physical and perceived risk are evaluated and compared. The pilot site is located in Southern Italy (Puglia region), where the physical risk has been evaluated by following a DPSIR approach. The level of coastal risk perception by local stakeholders’ and decision makers has been determined from the analysis of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs), grasped through scenario workshops developed in the study area.